Random Reflections

"Earth's crammed with Heaven,

and every common bush afire with God;

but only he who sees takes off his shoes."
--Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I want to be a person who "sees" and "takes off my shoes" aware that I am on holy ground.  How about you?  Do you have eyes to see? Ears to hear?  Jesus often posed this question, or made the statement that if those listening had eyes to see, ears to hear, then they would respond in obedience to His call.  I don't want to be the kind of person that walks unaware of the common things that are "afire with God" who creates so much for us to enjoy, who reveals truths about Himself through nature if we will stop long enough to take it in thoughtfully, reflectively.  I had an interesting thing happen the night before last.  I was sitting in my chair working away on the computer, late afternoon sun streaming in through the curtains warming me body and soul as I worked.  I was vaguely aware of its warmth, and had stopped a few times to revel in the pattern of the sun shining through the curtains falling on the warm hardwood floor, but then I had become somewhat absorbed in what I was about, and I almost missed it.  I caught the glow out of the corner of my eye, and looked out the window to see the whole sky "on fire" with the fantastic colors of a winter sunset with just enough clouds in the sky to hold the color longer, keep the "fire" burning and expanding so that not just the western sky was lit up, but 360 degrees of skyline was burning with exquisite reds, pinks, oranges, and blues that only God can make look spectacular together.  If I were to mix those colors it would be chaotic disaster, clashing cacophony, but God, wow!  In minutes it was all gone, faded to gray-dusk, I had almost missed it.  I sat wondering how many times He has painted sky morning or evening for us, and we have been too busy to look up, too busy to notice.  I wondered how often I have missed what He was cramming, creating, because I am preoccupied with something and my head is down.  Do I miss people that He sends across my path for the same reasons?  I felt He had gently chastised me, drawn my attention to the fleeting nature of life, and whispered, "don't let it pass you by unnoticed."  Then the following morning I came across this Elizabeth Barrett Browning quote which is a favorite from long ago.  I smiled and thanked Him.  Another Eucharisteo.  As this day draws to a close I stop, and I reflect back over the day, the Examen--prayerful reflection, pausing to note and attend to where God was especially present, or where I sense He is drawing me to notice something, or right some wrong, confess some sinful way in me.  One of my favorite questions from this time is "What do I believe that I am not living as though I believe?"  That always gives me pause.  One of my favorite prayers is Scripture is found in Mark 9, "Lord I believe, help my unbelief."  Yes, I say I believe that God has the days of my life numbered, and will provide for me, has a purpose for me.  So, why do I worry?  I am so thankful for His conviction and His grace and forgiveness.  I am so thankful for His Spirit.  I am so thankful that the Living God resides in me!  That is mind blasting!